Superyacht Crew Wellbeing: ISWAN, YachtCrewHelp & The Future of Yacht Crew Support
Yachting Channel · Yachting International Radio
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Show Notes
Crew wellbeing is one of the most important and least understood challenges facing the global yachting industry.
In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Simon Grainge, CEO of the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and Laura Beard, Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, about the realities of life onboard modern superyachts and why independent support services are becoming critical to the long-term sustainability of the industry.
At the center of the conversation is YachtCrewHelp, a confidential 24/7 multilingual helpline created specifically for yacht crew and their families, designed to provide independent support when crew face personal, professional, or safety challenges at sea.
Drawing from real-world experience and data gathered through seafarer support services, the discussion explores how leadership culture, onboard incidents, and the pressures of a live-work environment affect crew wellbeing across the global fleet.
As the number of superyachts continues to grow, the industry faces an important question: how do we attract, develop, and retain the skilled crew required to support the fleet of today and tomorrow?
In this episode
• What ISWAN is and how it supports seafarers worldwide
• Why yacht crew often do not see themselves as “seafarers”
• The creation of YachtCrewHelp, a 24/7 confidential support service for yacht crew
• Why confidentiality matters when crew livelihoods are at stake
• The psychological impact of incidents and near-miss events onboard
• Leadership challenges in a live-work maritime environment
• Why proper crew support systems improve retention across the superyacht industry
• The importance of mentorship, training, and professional development for crew
• How generational shifts are changing expectations in the yachting workforce
If you are interested in superyachts, crew welfare, maritime leadership, yacht careers, or the future of the global yachting workforce, this conversation offers valuable insight from leaders working directly on the issue.
Learn more about ISWAN
https://www.iswan.org.uk
YachtCrewHelp – 24/7 confidential support for yacht crew
https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org
Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website
https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news
Prefer to listen? Search Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform.
🎙️ Yachting USA
Host: Rick Thomas
Guests
Simon Grainge – CEO, ISWAN
Laura Beard – Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, ISWAN
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